Italy forward Diamanti extends Bologna contract

BOLOGNA, Italy (AP) — Italy forward Alessandro Diamanti has extended his contract with Bologna by one season through 2017-18.

The central Italian club made the announcement on its website Wednesday.

Having played for Italy at last year's European Championship and this year's Confederations Cup, the 30-year-old Diamanti had attracted interest in the transfer market. But he has decided to stay put, where he can get the playing time he needs to stay in national-team form.

Diamanti has scored 16 goals in Serie A over the last two seasons with Bologna, for which he is captain. He previously played for Livorno, West Ham and Brescia.